Plans are under way for transtasman flights to be classified as domestic routes, which could see tight immigration procedures removed and up to 30 per cent fare savings - but don't hold your breath just yet.
A Customs Service spokesman said there were no plans for the
change any time soon, and talks for a common border had been going on for more than two years.
"This is nothing new. Discussions around this have been going on a long time, and will probably go on for a long time yet before any major decisions are made," said Rowan McArthur, communications manager for New Zealand Customs.
The Open Skies bilateral air services agreement is already in place to make it easier for flights between the two countries, but issues surrounding quarantine, security and immigration must be addressed to make the route a common border.
Customs Minister Maurice Williamson has said the Government endorses and supports the consideration of initiatives that would improve transtasman travel.
After being cleared at their point of origin, passengers could enter the other country as a domestic visitor.
Air New Zealand, Qantas, Pacific Blue and Jetstar say a common border could result in air fares being cut by up to 30 per cent.
To help speed entry to Australia, three Australian "smartgate" automated border processing kiosks were installed at Auckland Airport last September.
